How do you get the top shiny layer off kitchen cabinets?

It sounds like there's still too much of the old paint left on and you will have to strip them. Let me find a video that will help.

This guy is using Citristrip, which is what I use. It smells like oranges instead of the chemical smell. Good luck Amy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrK_8i48YnQ

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Citristrip-1-2-gal-Safer-Paint-and-Varnish-Stripping-Gel-HCG73803T/100141801

Hi Amy. Are you sure the cabinets are wood? It sounds like they might be thermofoil, which would require a different treatment for painting.

https://www.homepainterstoronto.com/blog/2014/06/19/painting-thermofoil-cabinet-doors/

https://lifeonvirginiastreet.com/2017/07/how-to-paint-thermofoil-cabinets/

It sounds like you need a wood stripper to get everything off. This website has videos on how to do it with their product. I hope it helps you. Good luck.

http://www.kleanstrip.com/diyers/diy-projects/remove-wood-stain

The sealant on the cabinets has not been completely removed if you're getting the "melting." Or whatever your cabinets were stained with/colored with originally is being pulled up by the paint. You'll need to sand more or use a primer that covers over that particular type of sealer/stain and handles the type of paint (latex, oil, etc.) you're putting over it.

Make sure they are clean and dry. Remove the doors and hardware. Mark the doors and cabinets with tape where they go. Lightly sand the doors and cabinets to remove any gloss and roughen the surface for paint with 120- to 220-grit sandpaper. Use a tack cloth or damp rag to remove dust after sanding. Prime with a stain blocking primer like Zinsser 123, KILZ,or BIN and have it tinted to the color of the top coat. This will prevent dark or stained surfaces from showing through the top coat. Acrylic, or water-base, paints are low-fume and clean up easily with water. Alkyd, or oil-base, paints require good ventilation because the paint contains solvents that can irritate your lungs and make you feel sick. Alkyd options require mineral spirits for cleanup, but they provide a hard, durable paint finish. Whichever you use, buy the best-quality paint you can afford for a lasting kitchen cabinet finish. Seal with at least three coats with a water based polyurethane. Use a small foam roller and foam brush for a smooth finish.

There are lots of tutorials on U-Tube on how to prep and paint kitchen cabinets. You need to put a sealer on before you paint. If you are on Pinterest you can also search for tutorials that go step by step. Good luck with your project. I did mine, they turned out great.

Thanks so much everyone!!!!!!!!